Bhubaneswar: Odisha Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has assured that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the state and that sufficient stock is available for the next 13 days.
Speaking to the media, the Minister said that despite increased demand, the state has adequate reserves of petroleum products. He appealed to the public not to panic and refrain from hoarding fuel.
“We had detailed discussions with the senior officials of IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL. I want to assure the people of Odisha that there is sufficient stock of petrol and diesel available in the state for the next 13 days. An unnecessary panic was created among the public due to rumours that petrol would not be available in the coming days. People who normally buy petrol worth Rs 100 started purchasing Rs 500 worth and were seen standing in long queues with barrels and jerrycans. Because of this, the demand for petrol has suddenly increased by nearly 50 per cent.”
He further said, “People who are unnecessarily filling extra fuel out of fear that there will be a shortage are creating panic in the state. There is absolutely no need for such panic buying,” the Minister added.
The Minister urged citizens to maintain normal consumption and avoid hoarding.
